Let's chat about fostering

Foster4
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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A chat about all things fostering with some of Cheshire and Merseyside's most experienced and knowledgeable foster carers, care experienced young people, Social Workers and more. From making an initial enquiry to what it's like to foster for decades, we'll cover it all.

  1. 24 MAR

    Fostering Teenagers

    "It's about giving these kids a chance" In this episode we look beyond the stereotypes and assumptions and discuss the realities of opening your home to a teenager in need. Join Cheryl as she gives an honest insight into the world of fostering teenagers. From the challenges to the breakthroughs and why she recommends a drive to a well known fast food restaurant, this episode reminds us all that it's never too late to make a difference in a young person's life. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    27 min

  2. 10 MAR

    Fostering babies

    With a combined 40 plus years of fostering experience and nearly 100 fostered babies cared for between them, our guests, Ang and Peter, sit down to chat about the realities of fostering babies. From the day-to-day routines and challenges of sleep deprivation, to the emotional journey of adoption and the often continued contact thereafter, this conversation is honest, heartfelt and inspiring. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    32 min

  3. 24 FEB

    The voices of care experienced young people

    "It was interesting for me, going into a household where there was love and care and actually having my passions nurtured and supported" Join Tyler and Rose for an open, honest and sincere conversation about their experience of foster care. Whether you simply want to understand more before making an enquiry, work in Children's Social Care or are care-experienced yourself, tune in for a conversation that challenges assumptions and shifts perspectives. Raw, reflective and at times surprising, this episode is likely to leave you thinking differently about foster care. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    27 min

  4. 10 FEB

    Transferring from an Independent Fostering Agency

    "From the day we moved I've always been really happy". Join Jayne and Sally as they talk honestly about why they chose to transfer to their Local Authority from an Independent Fostering Agency. From the practicalities of being part of a local network of Foster Carers, Social Workers, Education and Health Professionals and Police, to the ethical considerations behind their decision to transfer - distinctions many people simply don't realise exist and what they wish prospective Foster Carers understood before choosing who to foster with. Whether you're already fostering or considering becoming a Foster Carer, this open and honest discussion highlights why understanding the differences between the Local Authority Fostering Service and Independent Fostering Agencies truly matters. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    38 min

  5. 27 JAN

    Mockingbird

    In this episode, we're talking all things Mockingbird! A pioneering, award winning programme which is led by The Fostering Network in the UK. Tune in to hear from Hub Home Carer, Craig, and Satellite Carer, Marie, who share what it's really like to be part of a Mockingbird constellation when you foster with your Local Authority in Cheshire and Merseyside. From the practical help and advice it offers to Foster Carers, to the sense of community, inclusion and understanding it brings to the children in their care, this episode explores how Mockingbird is transforming lives within our Foster4 community. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    30 min

  6. 13 JAN

    The importance of a family setting

    "Don’t pre-judge what that young person may or may not have been through. The story might be very different from what you'd expect as to why they've ended up in a residential home." Many children and young people who are living in residential homes are there simply because there are not enough foster carers in their area, and many people make assumptions about young people when they hear 'residential home'. In this episode we sit down with Chantelle, Manager of The Lighthouse in Warrington, to discuss how children and young people come to live in a residential home, and the importance of more people to coming forward to foster for their Local Authority. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    25 min

  7. 30/12/2025

    Support from your Local Authority

    'Sometimes Foster Carers may just need a bit of support, they’re having a difficult day, they may say is it possible to have a visit earlier than planned and we can pop out and do that, and that support is there for you should you need it. ' There are so many benefits to fostering with your Local Authority, but having a network of support from fellow Foster Carers, Social Workers and partner agencies on your doorstep is one of the biggest advantages our Foster Carers cite as to why they foster with their Local Authority. Tune in to hear Rachel, a Fostering Team Manager from Knowsley Council explain how the Local Authority support you as a Foster Carer, and the benefit of fostering with no middle man between you and the wider network around the child. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    34 min

  8. 16/12/2025

    The Foster4 Therapeutic Offer

    "Often, children who have experienced trauma will misunderstand your good intentions, and again that can be really exhausting" In this episode we chat with Mel, one of our Foster4 Therapeutic Practitioners who offers support to our newly approved Foster Carers throughout the first 12 months of their approval. We understand that caring for children who have experienced trauma takes patience, resilience and compassion- and that includes compassion for yourself. It's OK to feel tired. It's OK to feel frustrated. It's OK to need support. Tune in to hear Mel talk honestly about Therapeutic Fostering and why these feelings are more common than you think. Brought to you by Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, your collaborative Local Authority Foster Carer recruitment service for anyone wishing to foster in Cheshire and Merseyside. If you've been inspired by this episode and want to learn more about how you can make a difference to your community by fostering a local, vulnerable child, contact the Foster4 team today: www.foster4.co.uk enquiry@foster4.co.uk 03456460098 It only takes one foster carer to make a difference. Could that be you?

    21 min
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About

A chat about all things fostering with some of Cheshire and Merseyside's most experienced and knowledgeable foster carers, care experienced young people, Social Workers and more. From making an initial enquiry to what it's like to foster for decades, we'll cover it all.

Information

  • Creator
    Foster4
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Let's chat about fostering
  • Show Website
    Let's chat about fostering

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